I’m a Black queer non-binary photographer in Brooklyn! In late March I invited six Black trans folks to a studio day (with layers of COVID precautions taken) to create images based on six completely different concepts. Here’s how it went

Eva ( @msevareign; she/her) came open to trusting me for creative direction to create this warm, opulent fantasy. “These photos illustrate a grace I didn’t know I could even possess. When I look at them, I’m reminded of my own power and reaffirmed in my beauty.”

"i love seeing the way my skin and face shine against the orange background. we subverted the traditional calvin klein campaign aesthetics (thin, white, non-disabled) for a underwear shoot that explicitly celebrated my fatness & Blackness " — @savagexfatty (they/them)

This collab with @BHawkSnipes (they/them) was a long time coming! "I had a totally different idea of what I wanted going into this shoot, but when I got on set those ideas evolved into something bigger. Two powerful creative forces making timeless Black Queer/Trans magic"

For Jamie ( @ItsJamieLee9; she/her), this shoot evokes the words of Audre Lorde's poem Coal: "I am black because I come from the earth's inside / Take my word for jewel in your open light."

This Aries concept was brought to me by my frequent collaborator @Witchbitchpari (they/them) "Aries season is a great time for rebirth, change, and starting a new with bravery, candor, and strategic impulses guiding you to your new destination."

"This bubblegum, cotton candy moment is a true testament to my inner child who always wanted to embody all things fabulous and feminine. A Black Barbie. A Bratz doll. I look like you could take me right out of a box, play with me, and be astounded by how super cute I am...

...Loving myself and showcasing that was also a major inspiration. When you’re comfortable in your skin, you'll always win. You owe it yourself as a Black trans person to live in your truth and to stand firm in who you are. I vow to do just that." — @LIQUORICEBlTCH (they/them)

Creative team credits!
Photography: @lexicon91
Assisting: @Gatekeeper585
MUA: @SterlingTull
Hair: @Witchbitchpari
Studio: @Holyrad_Studio

Please follow all of them, support their work, and—most importantly—hire them!

This project is a huge labor of love—I paid for space, props, created mood boards for each person, built sets, brought in a hair/makeup team (mentioned above), all to create a space for healing and celebration of Black trans joy. These images are so special to me. Please enjoy